President’s Message
from Lindsey Lee

Christmas and the new year for over 500 Oak Forest residents started on a dark note on Monday, December 23, thanks to a micro-tornado that ripped a three mile long path through our neighborhood, knocking over trees and power lines, tearing off roofs, spreading debris. My family was fortunate as we did not sustain any damage. However, across the street from us, the winds knocked down a 30-foot tall cypress tree, blocking my neighbor’s driveway.

First thing I did the next morning was use my truck to move the tree from my neighbor’s driveway. After that, I drove through the neighborhood surveying the damage. From Antoine across T.C. Jester, through Oak Forest Park and on to Ella, damage was everywhere. Trees were torn from their roots. At least 8 streets, including Rosslyn Blvd. and W. 43rd, were blocked by fallen trees. Several houses had trees that had crashed through the roof. Many vehicles were destroyed by falling tree limbs. A temporary building at Oak Forest Elementary School was turned over. Hundreds of houses were without power.

I spent the rest of the morning trying to contact the City of Houston and Centerpoint Energy about what they could do to help. Centerpoint had trucks out very quickly, and worked round the clock to bring back power. Unfortunately, many houses did not get power back until Christmas or the day after. Many people spent the nights with family, neighbors or in nearby hotels. Although most city offices were closed, the City had trucks out that day to clear the streets.

What I noticed throughout the week was the willingness of neighbors to help each other. Residents with power, either from Centerpoint or from a generator, ran extension cord to their neighbors. Others were using chain saws to clear away the debris. Neighbors shared their Christmas meals.
Oak Forest is a special place. We were lucky that only property was damaged, and no one was hurt. Christmas was delayed, but the spirit of the season, the power of sharing with others came through loud and clear. I hope that you were able to have a happy holiday after all. I wish each of you a prosperous new year.

Treasurer's Report

The Oak Forest Homeowners Association, Inc. invites you to join or renew your membership for only $20 per year and become involved in the revitalization of our community. OFNA, Inc. is constantly working toward making our neighborhood a better place to live and work. Become a part of this effort by joining today.

Remember that membership in OFNA is voluntary. Your voluntary dues help to sponsor many projects: Ella Boulevard Esplanades, marquees at entrances to Oak Forest, the quarterly newsletter, and Citizens On Patrol (COP). Join your neighbors in helping Oak Forest live up to its name - the "Beautiful Urban Woods."

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions to the OFNA Hotline (713-688-6342).

Where can I get a copy of the deed restrictions?

Copies of each section’s deed restrictions are available at the Oak Forest Branch Library, located at 1349 West 43rd Street. The copies were made from certified copies obtained from the County Clerk’s office. You can check out a bound copy of the deed restrictions from the library’s main desk. Photocopies can be made at the library for $.15 per page. Most deed restrictions are about 11 pages long.

My neighbor has a junk car in his front yard, can he do that?

No. City code prohibits parking of a motor vehicle that cannot drive on its own power on the street or any place that can be seen from the street, like a driveway. Call the City of Houston’s Neighborhood Protection Division at (713) 218-5664. Also, leave a message in the OFNA hotline and we can submit the complaint to the Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team storefront on W. 43rd and Ella.

What can I do about my neighbor parking in his yard?

It may be ugly and lower the property values of the person’s property as well the neighbors, but parking in your front yard is not a violation of the deed restrictions or city ordinance.

My neighbor has a junk car in his front yard, can he do that?

No, city code prohibits parking of a motor vehicle that cannot drive on its own power on the street or in public spaces. Call the City of Houston’s Neighborhood Protection Division at (713) 218-5664. Also, leave a message in the OFNA hotline and we can submit the complaint to the Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team storefront on W. 43rd and Ella.

I want to add a room to my house, what should I do?

You will need a building permit from the City of Houston and approval of the OFNA Architectural Control Committee. The City will not issue a permit unless the plans comply with the neighborhood’s deed restrictions. To have your plans reviewed, call and leave a message on the OFNA hotline (713-688-6342) and a member of the Deed Restriction Enforcement Committee will contact you to review your plans.

Crime Watch

The Houston Police Department believes that an active neighborhood watch program can significantly reduce the incidence of crime in a neighborhood. We call our neighborhood watch group the OFNA Citizens on Patrol. If you want to help make our neighborhood safer become involved in the OFNA Citizens on Patrol. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at St. Stephens United Methodist Church located at 4301 Donna Bell Lane at W. 43rd St.

YAHOO Newsgroup

The Oak Forest Yahoo newsgroup is the fastest, most efficient method to get information on activities in the Oak Forest community. The group provides notices to residents of upcoming events and as a place to ask questions or raise issues of interest to the Oak Forest community. We have set up the newsgroup so that you will receive a reminder several days before each monthly meeting and notices of each committee meeting. Membership is restricted to residents and property owners only, and the group will be moderated. These steps should insure that our members do not receive any spam as a result of joining the group.

If you have any questions, you can email the moderator. To subscribe send an email to OFNA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or email me at LDLee_1@yahoo.com.

Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC)

The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) enforces city ordinances that encourage annual rabies vaccination and licensing of pets and requires that all dogs are confined in a yard or on a leash. BARC investigates animal bites and encourages spaying/neutering to control the unwanted animal population. BARC'S services include:

• Investigating reported animal bites
  
  
• Vaccination against rabies
  
  
• Licensing dogs and cats
  
  
• Placing dogs and cats up for adoption
  
  
• Operating shelters lost and stray animals
  
  
• Enforcing animal ordinances
  
  
• Providing educational speakers
  
  
• Leading tours of its shelters

You can contact BARC by telephone at 713-238-9600.